*** Consumer Advisory *** Attorney General Warns of New Twist on Lottery Scam

(Phoenix, Ariz. – August 31, 2005) Attorney General Terry Goddard is warning Arizonans about a new twist to the lottery scam. A Glendale resident was recently contacted by mail by a company called “Las Vegas, Nevada Actionable Award Program” notifying her that she was the winner of more than $3 million.

The letter indicates that more than $3 million remains uncollected and that the company could help release the monies if the consumer just sends $20 by cash, check or money order. The letter is personalized with handwritten notes telling the consumer that the company has been trying to reach her.

"The tipoff is the number of times ‘confidential’ is written on the letter,” Goddard said. “The fact the scammer suggests you tell no one is a red flag. This letter should go straight to the shredder.”

Remember these red flags:

If you have not purchased a lottery ticket, you did not win!

Be skeptical of mail notifying you that you have already won a substantial sum of money.

Be leery of any request for you to send cash to redeem your prize.

Be dubious if the writer asks that you keep your winnings a secret.

Beware of unsolicited calls asking if you would like to be in a "Lottery pool."